JERSEY LATE GREATS, INC
PO BOX 1294 Hightstown N.J.08520
Chevrolets 1958 to 1972 Chevrolets
Nunzio Anthony Luce
Nunzio Anthony Luce of Palm Harbor, FL, 74, died May 7, 2009, at Helen Ellis Hospital, Tarpon Springs, FL. Mr. Luce was born in White Plains, NY, and graduated from New York College of Technology, Ohio University and Northeastern University. He spent many years working in the electronics field and was a pioneer in the development of the LCD watch. He was president of Springwood Electronics and manufactured consumer electronic products in Hong Kong and China. Mr. Luce lived in West Windsor for 30 years before moving to Florida. He was a member of the Safety Harbor Rotary Club and an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Princeton Corridor. He was predeceased by a son, William. He is survived by his wife, Sue; a son, Anthony of Advance, NC; a daughter, Christine Bastedo of Princeton Junction, and two grandchildren, William and Kaitlyn Bastedo. He is also survived by a sister, Ann Calabro of Bayonet Point, FL, and two brothers, Anthony of West Palm Beach, FL and Dominick of Yorktown, NY.
Edward J. Hayes of the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township passed away on Friday, March 4, 2016 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway. He was 72 years old.
Born in Bayonne, NJ; He resided in Avenel for the past 47 years.
Mr. Hayes played the Soprano bugle with various Drum and Bugle Corps starting with St. Vincent’s Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in Bayonne and finishing up with his beloved Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps of Harrison, NJ. He also had a passion for his classic cars.
He was employed as a Medical Records Coordinator with the Summit Medical Group for 20 years retiring in 2011.
He was predeceased by his parents Edward and Cecelia Rielly Hayes; and a brother William Hayes.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years Sandy Kiesnowski Hayes; two daughters Barbara Hayes of Avenel; Brenda Robattino and her husband Peter of Oakland, NJ, and son Edward J. Hayes, Jr. of Old Bridge; a grandson Nicholas Robattino; and two nephews Billy Hayes and Scott Hayes.
Allen M.M. “Sonny” George, Jr., 77, of North Whitehall Township, died Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest. Born in Ballietsville, May 27, 1941, Allen was the son of the late Allen M.M. and Ethel M. (Schneck) George. He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. Allen was President and co-owner of the Ironton Telephone Co. and a lifelong “gentleman farmer”. During his youth, he was an active 4-H member. Over the last few weeks, he planted 200 acres of crops. Having a love of the outdoors, Allen enjoyed hunting and snowmobiling. His greatest passion in life was drag racing. He recently won Drag Racing’s most prestigious trophy, The NHRA Wally Award and was inducted into the Drag Racing Hall of Fame in North Carolina. Allen was an executive member of the East Penn Late Great Chevy Club and past President of MANDRA. Survivors: Sisters, Dorothy A. George of Slatington, Patricia L. Stewart (Richard) of Coplay, Rose Marie Beck of Schnecksville, Nancy J. Werner (Alfred) of East Greenville, Roberta F. George (Kevin Brey) of Pennsburg, Sonia E. Fink (David) of Germansville, Carolyn M. George of Schnecksville; ten nephews; one niece; predeceased by a brother, William D. George II.
From Jersey Late Greats Newsletter
Allen was a long standing member of the the National Late Great Chevy Club and local chapter the East Penn Late Great Chevy Club, and former member of the Jersey Late Greats. He was President of the East Penn Chapter for many years and was instrumental in creating the first and orchestrating the following nineteen East
Penn All Chevy Shows.
Allen was an avid Drag Racer and former president of MANDRA. He recently was awarded Drag racing most prestigious trophy the NRHA Wally Award and was inducted into the Drag Racing Hall of Fame in North Carolina.
Allen was a Veteran, Co-owner of Ironton Phone Company, and a Farmer. His greatest passion was racing. He was a great guy to know, and will be missed.
“The Bud I Knew”
The Bud I knew was a very unique individual, a combination of “tough as nails” on the outside and a warm, caring, thoughtful person on the inside. A true friend like Bud doesn’t come
along often in your lifetime, but I was fortunate enough to call Bud my friendfor 40 years.
A common interest in old Chevys brought us together. Bud was a charter member of the Jersey Late Greats long before I joined, and as a matter of fact he was the reason why I joined myself. Bud would always volunteer his time whenever asked to do so. Car club shows, junkyard excursions, flea markets, swap meets… Bud enjoyed his cars and his car friends. Englishtown and Carlisle will never be the same. So many people knew Bud…..So many people would stop by “the fish truck” to say hi and the scene would always play out like this:
Bud would always greet you with a funny, sometimes rude or off- color comment or expletive which always brought laughter, immediately followed by ”Hey…. what do ya want to drink? I got water, soda, beer, ice tea, orange juice…. are ya hungry? I got donuts,
tastykakes, cookies…I got hot water on if ya want coffee…..
Thank you Bud for being such a true friend to so many people, and especially to me.
This is the Bud I knew.
John Dennery
Ralph “Bud” R. Haines, Jr.
Cherry Hill, NJ – Ralph “Bud” R. Haines, Jr., age 74, of Cherry Hill, NJ, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2019. He was born in Camden, NJ. Ralph was previously employed as a truck driver for Callahan Chemical Co. in Palmyra, NJ. As a collector of cars, he enjoyed tinkering and working on them. Ralph was a member of the Jersey Cruising Classics and Jersey Late Greats car clubs. Ralph was an avid KISS fan and loved frogs and collecting frog memorabilia. He also enjoyed his flea market endeavors and Harley Davidson events. Ralph will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Ralph is predeceased by his father, Ralph Haines, Sr.
He is survived by his mother, Adele K. Haines (nee Klein) of NJ; loving companion, Pam Anfenson; daughters, Terri Marcheski (nee Haines) and her husband William of NJ, and Michelle Anfenson-Comeau and her husband Jamie of MD; brothers, Joseph F. Haines and his wife Nancy of NE, Daniel P. Haines and his wife Jeanne of CO, David E. Haines and his wife Diane of CT, and Thomas J. Haines and his wife Christina of CA; grandchildren, Marc M. Salesky, Sierra A. Velez, Elizabeth S. Salesky, Shane W. Marcheski, Cordelia M. Anfenson-Comeau, and Miriam P. Emrys; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his memorial gathering on February 2, 2019 from 12pm-2pm at Inglesby & Sons Funeral Home, located at 2426 Cove Rd., Pennsauken, NJ 08109. A memorial service will begin at 2pm at the funeral home. To post photos, share a memory, or send an online condolence, please visit
Raymond “Ray the Wrench” Petreshock, Jr., of Gloucester City, NJ died unexpectedly on August 11, 2020 at the age of 50. He was a lifelong resident. He studied and worked in auto mechanics, where he earned his nickname. He also worked as a truck driver, and later at NJ DOT, finishing as a Highway Construction Inspector.
Raymond will be loved and missed by his daughter, Athena Petreshock, his mother Gloria J. Petreshock, (nee Pawlowski), sisters, Cynthia A. and her husband Ken, and Jennifer L. Petreshock, and nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Raymond, Sr., his best friend.
Ray’s interests included cars, music and food. Ray’s love of cars started early. He loved driving cars, fixing cars, looking at cars, but mostly he loved talking about cars. He had a car story for every occasion, every location, every person. He enjoyed listening to music, playing music and talking about music. Years ago, Ray said he would like this song played in his honor when he passes. It’s called \”In the End\” by Rush. Please listen, I know he would like that. Big Ray had a special place for every type of food he loved, and he had stories for each place he has been.
But Ray’s real interest was people. Ray knew everyone and could talk with anyone. He was your best friend, your big brother, your rock. If Ray had it, it was yours too. He would do anything for you. He was a big softy; he was your tough guy. He was so many things to so many people. He will be missed by everyone whose life was made better by knowing him.
Verne Frantz J.r
Verne L. Frantz Jr., 70, of Hightstown, NJ passed away on February 14, 2021, at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro, NJ. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, moved to Deans, NJ when he was two years old, lived in Monmouth Junction, NJ and settled in Hightstown, NJ. He served in the United States Navy from 1971-1977. Verne was a world-renowned historian of Chevrolet cars of the 1958-1964-year models and founded the Jersey Late Greats car club.
Verne started the Jersey Late Greats club. He stayed with the club and helped it grow. He devoted countless hours making our club and the hobby better.
Verne was the most knowledgeable of the Late Greats and known by many. Verne and our club members spent countless hours documenting thousands of 1958-1964 full size Chevrolet’s and putting together an impressive database of information.
There ‘s no way to “sugar coat” this. If you knew Verne for any length of time, you may remember a time you and he didn’t see eye to eye about something.
So, when you think about the friends he’s made through the years and the great times he had at the many club events and activities, I can honestly say none of that would have happened if it were not for Verne Frantz. Thank you Verne. It will be hard to imagine the club without him. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace Verne, and see ya later
Wayne E Hertel
Wayne E. Hertel, 83, of Washington Township, NJ passed away peacefully on May 10, 2021 at his home with his loving sister by his side.
Wayne was born on September 10, 1937 in Hoboken, NJ to the late Edmund and Christina Hertel. Wayne grew up in Union City, NJ. He went to Sara M Gilmore Grammar school where he was Captain of School Safety Patrol. He graduated from Emerson High School class of 1955. He served his country proudly in the US Army from 1956 through 1963.
Wayne was employed as a ticket agent for Eastern Airlines in Newark, NJ. He was also a professional musician. He played the drums and sang in many various nightclubs such as the Copacabana in New York City. He played with several bands, trios and quartets over the years.
Wayne loved music and theater, after his retirement he did a lot of carpentry work which led him to volunteer at Warren Hills High School, designing and building stage sets for the drama club productions, where he was lovingly called “Uncle Wayne” by the students. Wayne also had a love for baking. He enjoyed baking wedding, anniversary, birthday and special occasion cakes for friends and family. He was talented by God. He was a gentle soul who always helped others if needed, giving his time, energy and efforts where and when needed without question. Wayne is survived by his devoted sister Lydia Schmidt.
Robert Kane Jr.
Unfortunately, we have sad news to report. We have lost another long time Jersey Late Great Member, Robert Kane Jr. (Rob). Rob passed May 2nd from complications of diabetes. We held a memorial for Rob at our May picnic/meeting. He will be sadly missed by all. More details with pictures inside this newsletter.
Sandra M. Hayes
Sandra passed away on Friday, October 7, 2022 at her home in the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township. She was 77 years old.
Born in Bayonne on January 15, 1945 to the late Adam and Anne Kiesnowski, she has resided in Avenel for the past 57 years.
Mrs. Hayes was employed in the accounts payable department of Recycle, Inc. in South Plainfield for many years before retiring in 2008.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hayes was predeceased by her husband, Edward J. Hayes, in 2016.
Surviving are her loving children, Barbara Hayes of Old Bridge, Brenda Robattino and her husband, Peter, of Oakland and Edward J. Hayes of Avenel; sister, Judith Czarneski, of Monroe Township; and grandson, Nicholas Robattino.
Lewis J. Thackeray Jr.
Lewis J. Thackeray Jr, passed away on Tuesday March 7th, aged 81 years. Lewis was a loving husband to Geraldine Thackeray (Deceased); father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away. He is survived by his two sons and Daughter in law, Lewis J. Thackeray III, Jim Thackeray and Karen Thackeray; his Grand Children Krystal Picarello, Rebecca Thackeray, Matthew Reston (Significant Other to Rebecca Thackeray), Lily Thackeray, Madison Thackeray and Lewis J. Thackeray IV and his Great Grand Children; Clarissa Libeg, Matthew Reston Jr. and Hailey Reston.
Lewis J. Thackeray Jr. was very active in the boy scouts when his sons were growing up, being a troop leader and going on several camping trips. He always said his scouts may not win knot tying contests, but they would always win cooking competitions. Lewis’ love for camping and the outdoors extended to having a seasonal camper site first in Wild Wood, NJ and then in Upper Black Eddy, PA. He was known affectionately as “Uncle Lewie” and could be seen driving his golf cart with his Rum and Diet Coke in tow. Lewis also enjoyed classic cars, owning a 64 and 62 impala, traveling around to many Late Great Chevy Car conventions. Lewis also loved going to Woodward Ave in Michigan for their car show in August where he would cruise up and down Woodward Ave on his scooter admiring all of the vehicles. Upon returning from his first trip and asked how it was, he replied “Amazing” and was very animated. Lewis loved vacationing with his family whether it be cruises, or road trips to Florida. Lewis loved all of his family being close with his nieces and nephews, and enjoyed attending family gatherings. Lewis was also known to lend a helping hand to all his friends and family in any way he could, a truly selfless man.
James K. Krous
James K. “Jim” Krous, 77, of Hackettstown, NJ passed on September 18, 2024 at Morristown Memorial Hospital. He was born in Lancaster, PA to the late William E. and Sarah Husson Krous.
He graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School, learned to sew on his mother’s treadle machine, and began his career as owner of James K. Krous Upholstery Service.
Jim was a master of antique automobile upholstery and restorations. His awards began with the 100-point restoration of his ’62 Impala SS, and he continued winning annual accolades for proven expertise in his trade at shows across the country, from the Hershey Antique Car Show to the Concourse de Elegance at Pebble Beach.
Jim is survived by his wife, Denise (Boettner) Krous, daughters Stacy Krous and Jennifer (Michael) Dietlein, son Todd (Melissa) Wohlsen, 7 grandchildren and siblings William Krous (husband of the late Nancy), Robert (Kathleen) Krous and Shirley Simmons (wife of the late Charles “Chub”).
Services was private at the convenience of the family.